Queen Elizabeth II is turning 94 this year. However, many people are wondering why the monarch celebrates two birthdays in a year. While she will reach her 94th year in April, it will only be official in June.
The Queen was born on April 21, 1926. She is the eldest daughter of King George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother.
Reports noted that the monarch celebrates her real birthday privately with her family. But, the official celebration of her day is always celebrated on the second Saturday of June. This event is known as the Trooping The Colour.
According to The Telegraph, Queen Elizabeth II is not the only monarch who has two birthdays. As it happens, all reigning monarchs starting from 1748 have followed this kind of tradition.
Trooping The Colour was originally performed for military purposes. This was said to be started by King Charles II in the 1600s, which became an annual tradition. But, a century later, King George II changed how the said royal official event works.
As revealed, the King's real birthday was in November. However, he, reportedly, felt that the month was too cold for a public celebration. So, he decided to "combine" his birthday celebration with the annual military parade.
Since then, this has become the custom of all reigning monarchs. Although they are, reportedly, given the option to choose an "official birthday," Queen Elizabeth II decided to move the celebration of her birthday in the month of June.
When the Queen ascended to the throne, she initially chose the second Thursday of June to be her "Official Birthday" as this was the same day as her father, King George VI's. However, she, reportedly, changed it in 1959 and moved it two days later. This then became her official birthday since.
As per BBC Newsround, Queen Elizabeth II still celebrates her real birthday. While there are no huge events or engagements on that day, it was revealed that "special gun salutes" are done in midday to mark the occasion.
The case is different, though, for the Monarch's "Official Birthday" or the Trooping The Colour. This is otherwise known as "The Queen's Birthday Parade."
1,400 officers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians are featured in the colorful display of pageantry, to which Queen Elizabeth II always attends and salutes to. She is also joined by members of the British Royal Family at the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the event.
